Video Report: Cyclists roll up for Southern Criterium
PHUKET: The first-ever Southern Criterium attracted more than 300 cyclists to the shores of Phuket and finished without a hitch on May 30, with competitors and organizers already amped up for next year’s edition.
Spectators and racers from all around the nation were watching the event results closely at Saphan Hin, as members of the Thailand National Team and professional fixed-gear criterium racer Paolo Bravini from Team Cinelli Chrome were in attendance.
The event was comprised of seven races: a VIP five lap race, women’s five-lap mountain bike race, a
men’s 12-lap mountain bike race, a women’s five-lap road bike race, a men’s 12-lap road bike race, a men’s 12-lap fixed-gear race, and a men’s elite 15-lap road bike race.
The VIP race had a surprising and exciting end, with Jessada Choodath coming in first place as the only competitor riding a fixed-gear bike racing against mountain and road bikes. Mr Jessada blazed past the other racers, coming in a full 25 seconds before the second place competitor, Tirakit Wanichayakorn, crossed the finish line.
Mr Jessada told the Gazette that he had been on a business trip in Phuket from Bangkok when he decided to join the race.
“Normally, I use fixed-gear bikes on a daily basis in Bangkok. I am so happy to have won first place riding this bike,” he said.
“I will be back for the next race in Phuket.”
Vissaves ‘Born’ Kumpanthong, event organizer and director of Bangkok Criterium, told the
Gazette that he was thrilled with the outpouring of support for the event and the overall attendance.
“My expectations were exceeded. Next year, we will be back in Phuket with a bigger and even better race, under the name Phuket Criterium,” he said.
RESULTS:
VIP five-lap race
1.Jessada Choodath 20:55
2.Tirakit Wanichayakorn 21:19
3.Wicharn Petchmalee 21:20
Women’s five-lap mountain bike
1.Apiya Saisamorn 19:17
2.Chidchanok Puangchit 20:29
3.Nopjakorn Wanthong 21:01
Men’s 12-lap mountain bike
1.Tawaichai Jiradechatam 37:02
2.Teerasak Boonchuay 37:50
3.Rachun Rukcheap 38:37
Women’s five-lap road bike
1.Dimity Duke 16:15
2.Apinya Saisamorn 16:26
3.Anothai Puengrang 16:31
Men’s 12-lap road bike
1.Okart Bualoi 36:41
2.Seree Ruangsiri 37:19
3.Amarni Gates 37:32
Men’s 12-lap fixed gear
1.Paolo Bravini 36:03
2.Faz Adhill 36:08
3.Chanasart Ruangkert 36:56
Men’s elite 15-lap road bike
1.Tanasak Tarnchai 41:35:842
2.Surasak Taweesamorn 41:36:119
3.Tawatchai Jiradechatam 41:36:797
The Phuket Gazette and PGTV’s ‘Phuket Today’ show, the island’s only nationally broadcast television program – aired daily on True Visions and leading provincial cable networks – were proud to sponsor this very major Phuket event.
— Pruth Kulprasit
